The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-12-29
SILAS VESTS SECRET.
Dy WALLACE II. REED.

II was ninc o'clock in the morning,
and the yards and Offices surrounding
the Morley mills presented a spectacle
of almost turbulent activity.
A thousand operatives wcro at work
inside the mills, and outside an orderly
mob of clerks, truckmcn and laborcrs
surgcd TO and fro busily engaged in
their various tasks.
The private Office Of Mr.. John Morley,
the millionaire owner Of this vast cstab-
lishmcnt, was unoccupicd. 1t was too
carly for Mr. Morley to make his ap.
pearancc, but the janitor had carefully
busted tho handsome desks and chairs,
and arranged everything in perfect order.
From time to timc n clerk or an
GRAND boy entered tho Office and dc.
posted letter or a parcel on tho great
mans desk, and then retired with bust
ness-likc celebrity.
Taking advantage Of moment when
the Office was deserted, swarthy little
man with restless black eyes and a
stern, strongly marked face, slipped
into the room.
The visitor was Silas West, one of the
operatives, but his movements would
have made it apparent, if there had
been any ono to watch him, that he was
not in search of his employer.
'Aha" chucklcd Silas, 81 am just in
time, and Ihad better not tarry."
Ie drew from his pocket a small
square parcel wrapped IN white paper
and laid it on the desk by the ink.
stand.
The parcel was addressed to 'John
Morley, ESQ.," and was marked "per.
sonal."
Silas West quietly left the place, and
after furtive glance around to assure
himself that he was not observed, he
took quick turn down n narrow street
where there was not living thing in
sight.
"Old Morley didn't know that he had
an anarchist among his men," no NUT
tered. "Wcll, he will never know it
now. There is enough dynamite in
that thing to kill dozen mcn!"
A troubled look came over his facc as
he talked to himself. "H'
'1t is bad thing to do" he said
'but, curse him, why did he suspend
met An honest workman has right to
take his little spree now and then with
out having the bread taken out of his
mouth. Morley treated nc like dog,
and ho deserves what lie is going to
get"
The man walked along with his head
down, evidently struggling with un.
pleasant thoughts.
"Confound It'll" he broke out, 81 am
forgetting the sublime principles of my
creed. 1t has been held by wise and
good men that it is right to assassinate
tyrant. These bloatcd capitalists arc
in the same box. Whenever ono is
killed his wealth goes into different
hands and is distributed. II VIC can't have
communism we eau at least kill off the
men with big fortunes, and their money
will be scattered by their numerous
heirs. Morlcy's death will be bcncfi,
to mankind"
Still, Silas West did not linger any
where in the neighborhood Of the mills
lie knew that the expected explosion
might occur at any moment, but ncr.
vous dread took possession Of him, and
he was seized with desire to reach hi,
cottage and shut himself up.
"Good ncwsm exclaimed Mrs. Wcs
when Silas entered the door.
"How3 What is it2 l can't under
stand," stammered her husband. turnin.
his careworn face upon her.
at is almost toogood to be true" re-
piled Mrs. West, half laughing and hal
crying. "Who would have though
that millionaire like your Mr.. Morle,
would take the trouble to think of usr
"Womani What do you meant"
''Oh, Silas, how can you look soi Mr.
Morley is our friend. lie sent his sccrc
tary here this morning to request you t.
return to work, and, Silas, he says tha
il you will let liquor alone he will pro
mote you, and that this suspension wa
only for your own good. 1t was to Civ,
you time to think. Now. my dear, dom
you agree with me that Mr.. Morley is
good man, and won't you promise 4
turn over a new leaf, aud quit that SC
cret society which takes up so much ol
your time7---for am sure that half o.
your trouble comes from going with
those strange, repulsive looking men.
Silas West had turned as white as
sheet and he raised his hand TO hi
head with groan.
Husband, are you sickr
where is little Maryw he asket
With . vacant stare.